Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-01-31
A BAD BREAK.
TWO BUILDINGS ON MAIN STREET FALL IN
WITH A CRASH
Last Byening-PsOpls Living in the Vicinity Shaken
Considerably and Imagine that Another
Earthquake Had Come.

Just before 6 o'clock last evening resi-
dents along Main and Water streets, be-
tween Eleventh and Twelfth, were sud-
denly startled by what appeared to be a
severe earthquake shock, which lasted for
several seconds. Windows were thrown
open, and those who felt the shock were
either peering out or running
Many persons were at supper table at
the time, and the china and other
table ware was shaken around very per-
ceptibly. Those residing in the vicinity Of
the buildings formerly occupied by E. NJ.
McGillin & Co, Nos. 1109, I'LL and 11l3
Main street, noticed the shock very plainly
and when they Investigated the cause it
was found that the wall between the two
upper buildings had fallen in, carry.
ing with it tha roof of both.
The whole heavy mass went
crashing through the third floor, taking it
along to the second floor, which also gave
way beneath the great weight, and brick,
mortar, roofing and all went crashing
through to the ground floor.
1t will be remembered these two build
ings were recently Quilted by fire and mar
rowly espaped being completely destroyed.
At the time the dividing wall did not
look any too substantial, but is it
was an eighteen inch wall at the bottom, it
was supposed to be amply strong and safe.
As the fire occurred In extremely cold
weather, however, the sudden heating and
subsequent freezing, probably caused the
mortar to crumble. For the past week or
so q force of carpenters, plumbers, stone
maSOnS, bricklayers and other artizans
have been employed about the two build
ings repairing the damage done by the
fire, and one of the rooms mad been rented.
Jerry Crawford, the well known car
penter who has been working on the build
ings, and who lives some distance
away from them, stated to "a
REGISTER reporter that he felt the shock
distinctly and the thought Immediately
flashed across his mind that the wall had
fallen. He said it had cracked a good
deal since the fire and looked really un.
safe last Saturday, but he had no idea at
the time that there was any danger OF 1t
falling. When the debris fell it filled the
whole street with a cloud of lust and soon
a large crowd of excited spectators had
assembled on the opposite side OF the
street.
The front walls of both buildings were
left apparently unframed, but the lower
wall of the next house above, which is
occupied by O'Kane Il Devine, was in
iured. The rafters and jOist of tine adj
Joining building were mOrtised into the
wall, and in the fall they were wrenched
out, which had the effect Of cracking the
wall quite badly, although not in a danger
Gus manner. No other damage was done to
surrounding buildings. Mr.. Alex. Frew,
who was at the time sitting in his store
several doors below, said that the falling
of the wall was preceded by a rather strong
gust of wind, which he noticed bowling
about the skylight in his place OF business.
1t is very fortunate the accident did not
occur on a week day, for a force OF at least
fifteen men were ut work oil the building,
and most of them would have undoubtedly
been either killed or seriously wounded.
Chief Dunniug was informed of the ac-
cident and he made an examination of the
premises as far as he was able in the dark
ness. 1t is his opinion that the front
walls are unsafe and the entire structures
will have to be pulled down. He had the
hook aud ladder men stretch ropes across
the street above and below the buildings
and placed lights at intervals
along the ropes to prevent people from APP
preaching within danger distance Of the
walls, thus protecting the city from any
liability in case Of accident.
The buildings are a part of the Zane es-
tate. and it is understood that the damage
by fire was compromised. The present
damage could not he ascertained last even
ing, but it will neceSSitate the complete
rebuilding of the two houses.